Piriformis syndrome is often referred to by runners literally as "a pain in the butt." This is because when you run, the piriformis muscle contracts and tightens, which irritates the sciatic nerve that runs through or near the muscle and down the back of both legs, causing pain and possibly nerve damage. DrMirkin.com indicates that rest is important for piriformis syndrome and you should not run until you no longer feel pain in your buttocks region and the condition eases.
Piriformis Muscle
The piriformis muscle runs from the base of your spine to your outer hip bone and is often subject to repetitive motion during running, according to Spine Universe. The muscle is located deep in the buttocks behind the gluteus maximus muscle. The piriformis muscle functions to rotate your hip and legs and also helps to provide stability to your pelvic region. This muscle is very important to runners as it helps to provide the fluid motion of your hips and legs during the activity.
Symptoms
If you have piriformis syndrome, you will likely experience pain or a dull ache deep within the hip or buttocks. You might also experience pain in your lower back, down your legs, with leg tingling and numbness due to sciatic nerve irritation. According to the Spine-Health website, you will experience pain when running and walking up stairs and hills. You might also experience more severe pain after sitting for a long period of time.
Treatment
Piriformis syndrome is a muscle injury that requires rest and treatment with ice. Effective home treatments include resting the muscle for several days to weeks after the injury, or until pain subsides. Resting the muscle reduces tightening and allows more blood flow to the muscle to assist with healing. Applying a cold pack or ice to the injury in 20-minute intervals within 24 hours reduces swelling and might reduce pain. See your doctor for an accurate diagnoses and other specific treatment recommendations.
Prevention
Warm up before you run to ensure your muscles are loose and flexible. Your doctor or fitness coach can provide you with specific piriformis stretches that you can do before a run. The Stretching Institute website also provides instructions for two stretches for the piriformis muscle. In addition, run on straight, smooth surfaces to decrease the chances of sustaining a piriformis muscle injury and irritating your sciatic nerve.
References
- Spine-Health; What is Piriformis Syndrome?; John P. Revord, M.D.; April 2000
- Spine Universe; Piriformis Syndrome; Timothy J. Maggs. D.C.; May 2011
- DrMirkin.com; Piriformis Syndrome; Gabe Mirkin, M.D.; March 2010
- The Stretching Institute; Piriformis Syndrome and Piriformis Muscle Stretches; Brad Walker
Member Comments